The second annual IRUPA O2 Players Player of the Year awards were held at the burlington hotel on Wednesday night. D Arcy beat off competition from Paul O Connell and Llanelli Scarlets Simon Easterby.

D Arcy said: To be voted the best player for 2004 by the players around the country when there are so many talented players is a great honour.

This is the ultimate rugby award and something I will treasure for the rest of my career.

There was double job for D Arcy as he also picked up the People s Player of the Year award.

Keith Wood and Paddy Johns were also amongst those being honoured as they were inducted into the IRUPA Barker Insurance Hall of Fame.

Mike Mullins won the Unsung Hero of the year award, ahead of Simon Easterby again, and Mark McHugh of Connacht.

Girvan Dempsey won the award of the Try of the Year.

What makes these awards so special is that they are voted for by the players from the four provinces, commented Niall Woods, Chief Executive of IRUPA.

The Winners:

Gordon D'Arcy - O2 IRUPA PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2004.

Mike Mullins - IRUPA HOOKE & MacDONALD UNSUNG HERO 2004.

Paddy Johns/Keith Wood - IRUPA BARKER INSURANCE HALL OF FAME 2004.

Girvan Dempsey v England - IRUPA TYRONE CRYSTAL TRY OF THE YEAR 2004.

Tommy Bowe - IRUPA OB SPORTS YOUNG PLAYER OF YEAR Year 2004.